The Digital Age
Teachers replicate teachers. We all know this is true from our prac experiences, when it's our turn to stand up and take the class for a lesson, and your voice is suddenly a lot more high pitched and sing-song-y, Just like Mrs. X. But I don't think that's what Jason means when he says: "A DNA is built into our system that tells us what teaching is about." Most us have been watching the teaching profession and the different characters within the system for the last couple of decades. What we see is the perfected pedagogical theories and practises of a 20th Century system.
One thing is for sure; we need to drastically redesign our preconceived notions of teaching if we want to stay alive in the digital age, ad use it effectively. The foundation of our knowledge must shift to be able to effectively cater to hyper-communicators, multi-taskers, and goal orientated students. That isn't to mention the 2000 other learning styles.
One thing is for sure; we need to drastically redesign our preconceived notions of teaching if we want to stay alive in the digital age, ad use it effectively. The foundation of our knowledge must shift to be able to effectively cater to hyper-communicators, multi-taskers, and goal orientated students. That isn't to mention the 2000 other learning styles.
Let's take a quick peak at challenge-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based learning in comparison to instructional pedagogy. Yes, there is a couple here, but remember we are thinking of those 2000 little darlings who all just have to be so darn different. Any constructivist approach when implemented effectively (to my understanding) provides students with a goal for learning, allows them to communicate their theories, and requires them to participate in an engaging task. Did someone say Vygotsky Zone of Proximal Development? No need, we're covered here.
Now, moving on to TPACK. The above idea can be easily translated. As an example, we'll look at mining (because we used it in tutorials anyway). If I posed the question: "Why is Homer Simpson a danger to the power plant?" I'm catering to all academic levels of the students in my class. Content Knowledge = Nuclear power, perhaps. Pedagogy= Inquiry-based approach. Technology? = Sims.
I know, I know, I still love Sims. Sims 3 is for people of all ages though, and students can use it to create a virtual Springfield, power plant included.
Now, moving on to TPACK. The above idea can be easily translated. As an example, we'll look at mining (because we used it in tutorials anyway). If I posed the question: "Why is Homer Simpson a danger to the power plant?" I'm catering to all academic levels of the students in my class. Content Knowledge = Nuclear power, perhaps. Pedagogy= Inquiry-based approach. Technology? = Sims.
I know, I know, I still love Sims. Sims 3 is for people of all ages though, and students can use it to create a virtual Springfield, power plant included.
It could be too soon to tell, but I might be getting the hang of this...
References:
Harris, J., & Hofer, M. (2009). Instructional planning activity types as vehicles for curriculum-based TP ACK development. In C. D. Maddux, (Ed.). Research highlights in technology and teacher education 2009 (pp. 99-108). Chesapeake, VA: Society for Information Technology in Teacher Education (SITE).
Metiri Group. (2003). enGauge 21st Century Skills for 21st Century Learners. Retrieved March 30th, from: http://www.zagami.info/4001EPS/Readings/Entries/2011/3/28_Entry_1.html
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